Submitted by Adam Dickter on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 11:06
When it came time to observe my mother’s first yahrzeit last week, I was in Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev. A fitting place since my mother, Sondra, was an avid traveler and particularly enjoyed her many visits to Israel.
The itinerary for my trip was planned weeks in advance, and so I anticipated the need to find a minyan there, and was assured by the American Associates of Ben Gurion University, which hosted the junket, that it wouldn’t be a problem.
Submitted by Adam Dickter on Fri, 03/16/2012 - 11:45
The founder of modern Israel had little doubt about his place in history.
David Ben-Gurion, who lived from 1886-1973, meticulously saved copies of every letter he wrote and even asked his father to save letters he received because they would be needed later, for the history books. His diaries contained detailed notes of what he was experiencing at crucial moments in history. Less apparent, though, was what this instrumental figure was feeling in his heart.
Submitted by Adam Dickter on Mon, 03/12/2012 - 20:49
One of the first things we did when we checked into the U-Tel Guest Apartments at Ben Gurion University’s Be'er Sheva campus was follow the yellow sign to the closest bomb shelter.
In the basement of the building next door were two massive airlock-type doors, with a shower area in between for dealing with chemical or biological weapon exposure.
Submitted by Adam Dickter on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 22:55
I had to share these pictures from Shushan Purim eve at the Kotel. I saw hundreds of people in costumes in Jerusalem, but this one wins the prize for chutzpah.
Submitted by Adam Dickter on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 18:17
Some news reports over the weekend suggest that Pope Benedict has come out against in-vitro fertilization, when in truth that has been a longstanding policy of the church. What may be new was his emphatic rejection, in which he was quoted as saying it is “arrogant.”
Submitted by Adam Dickter on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 11:11
It's a retro night at the Oscars, with two films that hearken back to the early days of cinema up for top honors, and a host who is a blast from the past.
For the first time , I’ve managed to see every one of the nominees for Best Picture. (Hey, the kids are grown up, and no reason to limit my nights at the theater to Pixar offerings).
It’s a safe bet that the real competition is between:
Submitted by Adam Dickter on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 12:08
"A woman of valor, who can find her?"
Many Jews ask that question every Friday night with the recitation of the song "Aishet Chayil" at the Shabbat table.
One answer to the question: Tom Brady.
The Patriots quarterback may not have walked away with an MVP trophy or a Super Bowl ring after last Sunday's showdown in Indianapolis, but he did get a reminder that he is married to his No. 1 fan.
Submitted by Adam Dickter on Sun, 02/05/2012 - 13:45
I have one prediction today that doesn’t have to do with football. At least not directly.
Early mincha minyans, in the 12:30-3:00 range, are bound to be very popular on the East Coast.
With the Giants facing the Patriots in a rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl, who wants to miss out on the pre-game show with a late afternoon/evening minyan?
